TOPIC 1 NUR131 Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

  • Course Information: NUR131 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Lecture Week 1, presented by Barbara Loessl at MU University, Murdoch.

Acknowledgement of Country

  • Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners of Country, the Aboriginal peoples of Western Australia, and recognition of their ongoing cultural contributions.

Learning Outcomes (LO)

  1. Define anatomy and physiology, including levels of structural organization in the human body.

  2. Use correct anatomical terminology for body directions, regions, planes, and sections.

  3. Locate and name major body cavities and their contained organs.

  4. List the 11 organ systems, identify components, and explain their major functions.

  5. Describe cellular components and their functions.

  6. Detail structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissue.

  7. Describe types of connective tissue and their functions.

  8. Describe structures and locations of three muscle tissue types.

  9. Explain general characteristics of nervous tissue.

Understanding Anatomy and Physiology

  • Anatomy and physiology provide a framework to understand the human body.

  • Key questions include:

    • What are anatomy and physiology?

    • How is the body organized structurally?

    • How does the body maintain internal balance?

    • What terms are essential for describing anatomy?

Requirements for Life

  • Essential needs for life:

    • Maintaining boundaries

    • Movement

    • Responsiveness

    • Digestion

    • Metabolism

    • Excretion

    • Reproduction

    • Growth

  • Humans are multicellular organisms.

Key Definitions (LO 3)

  • Anatomy: Study of body part structures and their relationships.

  • Physiology: Study of body part functions and life-sustaining activities.

  • Gross Anatomy: Study of large structures visible to the naked eye.

  • Microscopic Anatomy: Study of structures that require magnification (cells and tissues).

Levels of Structural Organization (LO 3)

  • Organismal Level: Entire human organism consists of various organ systems.

  • Organ System Level: Organs working together within systems.

  • Organ Level: Organs made of different tissues.

  • Tissue Level: Tissues composed of similar cells.

  • Cellular Level: Cells formed by molecules.

  • Chemical Level: Atoms combined to create molecules.

  • Size Conversions: 1m = 1000mm; 1mm = 1000µm; 1µm = 1000nm.

Microscopes

  • Light Microscopes: Suitable for live specimens; magnification 500X to 1500X.

  • Electron Microscopes: Used for dead specimens; magnification 50,000X to 300,000X.

Interrelationships Between Organ Systems (LO 3)

  • Integumentary System: Protects against environmental harm.

  • Cardiovascular System: Distributes nutrients and oxygen, removing waste.

  • Respiratory System: Takes in oxygen; eliminates carbon dioxide.

  • Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

  • Urinary System: Eliminates nitrogenous waste and regulates ions.

Anatomical Terms (LO 4)

  • Key terms: Cephalic, Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic, and limb regions.

  • Planes of the body:

    • Median (Midsagittal)

    • Frontal (Coronal)

    • Transverse

Body Cavities (LO 5)

  • Dorsal Body Cavity:

    • Cranial cavity (brain)

    • Vertebral cavity (spinal cord)

  • Ventral Body Cavity:

    • Thoracic cavity (heart, lungs)

    • Abdominal cavity (digestive organs)

    • Pelvic cavity (urinary bladder, reproductive organs).

Survival Needs for Organisms (LO 3, 6)

  • Basic Needs:

    • Nutrients

    • Oxygen

    • Water

    • Normal body temperature

    • Appropriate atmospheric pressure.

  • Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite environmental changes.

Cells (LO 7)

  • Cells as the basic unit of life.

  • Functioning of the organism relies on cellular activities.

  • Continuity of life stems from existing cells.

  • Diversity exists in over 250 types of human cells, varying in size and function.

Cell Components (LO 7)

  • Plasma Membrane: Flexible outer boundary.

  • Cytoplasm: Intracellular fluid containing organelles.

  • Nucleus: Control center containing DNA.

Plasma Membrane (LO 7)

  • Functions as a barrier between ICF and ECF.

  • Composed of lipid bilayer and membrane proteins.

  • Involvement in cell communication and recognition through glycocalyx.

Other Cell Components (LO 7)

  • Organelles: Mitochondria, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, etc.

  • Extensions: Not present in all cells; include cilia, microvilli, and flagella.

Tissues Overview (LO 8)

  • Tissues are groups of cells that perform similar functions.

  • Types of tissue include:

    • Nervous: Internal communication

    • Muscle: Contracts for movement

    • Epithelial: Forms boundaries, protects, secretes

    • Connective: Supports and binds tissues.

Epithelial Tissue (LO 8)

  • Characteristics: Polarity, contact, avascular but innervated, regenerative abilities.

  • Classification:

    • Simple vs. Stratified

    • Squamous, Cuboidal, Columnar, Glandular.

Examples of Epithelial Tissue

  • Simple Columnar Epithelium:

    • Location: Lines digestive tract, gallbladder.

    • Function: Absorption and secretion (mucus, enzymes).

  • Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium:

    • Location: Lining of trachea.

    • Function: Secretes mucus, ciliary action propels mucus.

  • Stratified Squamous Epithelium:

    • Location: Esophagus, skin.

    • Function: Protects tissues from abrasion.

Glands (LO 8)

  • Endocrine Glands: Ductless; release hormones into the bloodstream.

  • Exocrine Glands: Secrete through ducts; can be either unicellular or multicellular; types include merocrine and holocrine.

Connective Tissue (LO 9)

  • Characteristics: Contains extracellular matrix, ground substance, fibers, and cells.

  • Classification: Connective tissue proper, cartilage, bone, blood.

Muscle Tissue (LO 10)

  • Characteristics: Highly vascularized, myofilaments for movement, connection to the nervous system.

  • Types: Striated (skeletal), cardiac, smooth.

Nervous Tissue (LO 11)

  • Characteristics: Responds to stimuli, regulates homeostasis, transmits impulses.

  • Types: Neurons and supporting glial cells.

References

  • Marieb, E.N. & Hoehn, K. (2023). Human Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition (12th ed.). Pearson Education Inc.